Carol Gauldin, VernonMember Since July 2009Artist Statement As far back as I can remember I've been a creative person with interests in various types of art. From Elmer's glue and glitter to oils and watercolors, the only classes I truly enjoyed from grade school through high school were art classes, so much that at one time I took my two electives in the same Art Class back to back.... To me it was like recess.

Having been an artist as long as I can remember, I love to paint and create, I could not live without color! I love that beauty exists for no reason at all. It's there for us to invite in. A constant in my life.

Although I am more of a self-taught artist,with a God Given Gift, I also give a great deal of credit for my knowledge to other artists who I'm glad to call my friends. The inspiration of fellow artists is priceless.

I prefer to not be labeled as any "type" of artist, since my style changes from day to day, and a label would seem too restrictive . I feel that my "collectors" might always expect the same type of art, where I prefer to remain unbound., in style and subject.

I could write about the places I've been, people I've known, and situations in which I've found myself, but does it really matter? We all have our amazing stories and educational credits , I prefer my paintings stand on their own. I'm an outsider, not fitting neatly into any category by which "artists" are described and marketed, its their story not mine. I paint what I love and love what I paint, no apologies.

Of course, artists are human. I want each new painting to be better than the last. That desire can also be paralyzing when it comes to starting "new work". You don't often hear about fear in artists, but it certainly exists in my life.

No matter how we choose to define ourselves, visual art-making has the power to both express and shape identity. In a world that seeks to " label", with years of schools and rules of degrees I find it is senseless.. A God given gift to artists continue to invite us into a conversation with the unexpected.My paintings are visual creations for the one thing that has remained constant in my own journey; how I choose to define myself....It is simply my connection with myself, my family, my friends, and my surroundings .

Not seeking fame,but rather success when others are compelled to reflect upon my work.,be it a memory in their life, or something new that makes them feel comfortable. I want the viewer to feel as alive as I do when I paint. It thrills me to bring happiness through this wonderful medium to have something I have created ,bring joy to those I have touched. Not Monetary but Personal.!